Dominica: The Prime Minister of Dominica, Roosevelt Skerrit interacted with the media during a press conference. During the interaction, PM Skerrit touched upon different topics, including the upcoming hurricane season.
One of the issues that came under discussion during the Press Conference were Education Reforms.PM Skerrit highlighted that since before independence, the education sector of Dominica has not seen regular developments.
Education, in Dominica is heavily reliant on examinations and tests which limit the potential of the children. The Prime Minister has served as teacher of English before his political career.
As such, he understands that the current systems in education are flawed because the areas that the systems focus on ae no longer relevant in the modern era. PM Skerrit noted that with the present education system not building a culture of collaboration.
The children in Dominica possess much less analytical skills, critical thinking and comprehension skills. The Prime Minister said that in the time of internet and artificial intelligence, children do not have to remember alot of things because it is easy to search on the internet.
As such, the schools must adapt to the changed times. PM Skerrit noted that little children carry bags that grown up people would find it hard to carry. He also highlighted that the scope of education is also limited to the National Assessment Exams.
The schools up to the point of fifth grade are focused on the examinations. The Prime Minister feels that the children should also be introduced to extra-curricular activities which can help them grow into their own.
He suggested that the children should not be depressed by the thought of going to schools. They must be taught how to attain other skills, like agriculture and carpentry.
The Prime Minister also advocated that activities like sports and music should be included in education in the form of extracurricular activities. The youngsters should be given opportunity to engage in activities that they enjoy instead of being burdened by schools.
PM Roosevelt Skerrit noted that every student is unique and is inclined towards different crafts. Every student learns differently and should be encouraged to embrace that uniqueness.
PM Skerrit said that capturing what kind of learner a student is or can turn out to be, can not be ascertained by examinations. Written examinations should not be considered default testing method, because a child may not able to write an answer but may explain himself better orally.
These unique approaches to modernizing education and accommodating the talents and strengths of students is important. He also said that schools should encourage active participation of students in classwork.
This will make students more confident and ready for the world after their education is over